If you go to any college south of the mason Dixon line, you’ve heard the stories from the infamous Mountain Weekend, especially if you hail from the University of South Carolina. A popular fraternity tradition, you and your date escape to the mountains of Tourist Capitol, Tennesse (aka “Fratlinburg”) for a weekend of fun and mayhem. I had the opportunity to go to one during my first semester of freshmen year; and had absolutely no idea what to expect. After experiencing the debauchery of it all, I figured I’d lend a helping hand to my fellow collegiettes on the myths of Mountain Weekend.
Myth #1: Flannels are a requirement.
I would love to meet the individual who instituted this cliché requirement of sporting only flannels on Mountain Weekend, and ask them what they were thinking. Personally, the last time I bought a flannel for myself was in 7th grade, when I was convinced that I desperately needed a closet of them for Girl Scout Camp.
The reality of this weekend is that know one really cares what you wear, so do your bank account a favor and skip out on buying those flannels in bulk. Your Patagonia will suffice, or better yet, a t-shirt, leggings and your comfiest sweatshirt.
Side note: If you’re thinking of bringing those trendy combat boots you got for Christmas, cancel that thought immediately…you don’t want to run the risk of ruining them in a house of rowdy fraternity boys.
Myth #2: The men of the house will graciously feed you an array of foods.
After Mountain Weekend, I couldn’t stomach anything pasta-related for a month. If you don’t like consuming spaghetti in absurd amounts, then I suggest you supply yourself with food.
My motto was every man (and woman) for themselves. Yes, the boys will appease your demands for “food” with countless boxes of Kraft mac & cheese, but what they fail to mention is that, most likely, the runt of their pledge class will be on chef duty, and who knows how reliable his cooking skills are.
Myth #3: Mountain weekend won’t be fun since I don’t know anyone else going.
The important thing to remember about preparing for an event like Mountain Weekend is simply to not have any preconceptions going in. For three days, you will be living the life of a fraternity boy, and you will see a lot of strange things. Don’t question it. Never again in your life are you going to get the opportunity to escape to the mountains with fun, care-free boys and their dates, so make the most of it! It’s okay to belt out the words of “Wagon Wheel” with a stranger-turned-soul mate on top of a table. Just keep your standards in check, and remember your life off of the mountain.
Don’t be one of those girls who hides in the corner of the room, constantly refreshing their twitter page to avoid talking to strangers. Everyone is in the same boat as you! Mountain Weekend is one of biggest perks of Greek life in the south, so don’t miss out on a chance to experience the chaos and insanity of it al.
In conclusion,
Mountain Weekend is meant to be a fun break from the stressful life of a college student. Don’t read too much into it! Just enjoy your time, and make new friends! Good luck!